The Boeing
(McDonnell Douglas) (formerly Hughes) AH-64A Apache is the
Army's primary attack helicopter. It is a quick-reacting,
airborne weapon system that can fight close and deep to destroy,
disrupt, or delay enemy forces. The Apache is designed to fight
and survive during the day, night, and in adverse weather
throughout the world. The principal mission of the Apache is the
destruction of high-value targets with the Hellfire missile. It
is also capable of employing a 30mm M230 chain gun and Hydra 70
rockets that are lethal against a wide variety of targets. The
Apache has a full range of aircraft survivability equipment and
has the ability to withstand hits from rounds up to 23mm in
critical areas. It is designed to fight and survive during
the day, night, and in adverse weather throughout the world.
With a tandem-seated crew consisting of the pilot, located in
the rear cockpit position and the co-pilot gunner, located in
the front position, the Apache is self-deployable, highly
survivable and delivers a lethal array of battlefield armaments.
The Apache features a Target Acquisition Designation Sight
(TADS) and a Pilot Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) which enables the
crew to navigate and conduct precision attacks in day, night and
adverse weather conditions.